82 new cases of COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation, two more deaths and 1,001 recoveries reported, 402 families receive food and supplies

(Photo: The Navajo Nation - Office of the President and Vice President)

Press Pool

May 20, 2020

Navajo Nation testing citizens at a greater rate per capita than any other state in the country

News Release

Navajo Nation
- Office of the President and Vice President

The Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center, Navajo Area Indian Health Service, and the Tribal Health Organizations reported 82 new cases of COVID-19 for the Navajo Nation. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation has reached 4,153 and the total number of deaths is now 144. Preliminary reports from six health care facilities indicate that approximately 1,001 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, with more reports still pending. A total of 26,267 COVID-19 tests have been administered with 20,200 negative results.

“The Navajo Nation is testing our citizens at a greater rate per capita than any other state in the country. Close to 12-percent of our population on the Navajo Nation has been tested compared to less than 10-percent for states. Today, there was another large-scale testing event held in the community of Tonalea, so we might see another spike in our positive case numbers in a few days once those test results are confirmed. The more people we identify who have the virus, the more people that we can isolate to help flatten the curve,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

On Tuesday, the Nez-Lizer team was joined by Council Delegate Kee Allen Begay, Jr. as they distributed food, bottled water, cleaning supplies, diapers, and other essential supplies to 402 Navajo families in the communities of Low Mountain, Whippoorwill, Tachee-Blue Gap, and Tselani/Cottonwood. Overall, the Nez-Lizer Administration has distributed supplies to nearly 9,000 families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are in this together, and together we will overcome. In times such as this, we must maintain our faith and continue to trust that God will help us to see the light at the end of the dark tunnel. Don’t lose hope and please keep praying and keep fighting this virus by staying home as much as possible and practicing social distancing. We can’t let up now,” said Vice President Lizer.